Isbell Elementary

Loving Every Minute of Learning!

Isbell Elementary

Loving Every Minute of Learning!

Dodson’s Dish

We had the pleasure last week of hosting a student panel. What is the purpose of student panels? Our students are our #1 customers, and to ensure that high levels of learning, engagement, and collaboration are taking place on our campus...we must hear their voice.

Last week we focused on reading instruction in the classrooms. One positive statement that was reoccurring amongst all grade levels was that they wish we had more independent reading time at school, because they enjoy reading so much! What more could you ask for?

Reading is the pathway for all subjects, but bigger than that, it is the pathway for life. For our children to become better readers, research has shown time and time again that they must spend more time independently reading. Questions for you: If there weren’t a required reading log that was sent home from the classroom teacher, would you require your child to read daily? Would your child pick up a book or magazine and start reading? As a parent, I love when my sons ask me to read a book or when I see him pick up a book. It is reminder that as a family we have modeled how important reading is. I will admit, I have not always had a love for reading. In elementary school I was always in the lowest reading group and was embarrassed when I would have to read alone in a group. Reading didn’t click with me until about 4th grade . My teacher, Miss Bufford introduced me to my first chapter book, The Chocolate Touch. I remember crying to her that I was not going to be able to finish the book. She encouraged me and gave my parents a copy of the book. As a family, we sat down and read the book together. I was so proud of myself actually finishing the book and being able to have a conversation about the book with my teacher and parents. After I fell in love with that one book, I challenged myself to read more books. Now, I was eight or nine years old, so that challenge wouldn’t have gone far without my parents’ assistance and support. I challenge you to model reading to your kids and have them pick up a book or kindle to explore books. After they read, talk about the book. It doesn’t have to be your normal academic questions such as: Who is the character? Where was the setting? Let them just talk about the book. If they can’t get started, ask questions like: If this book was a movie, what do you think the theme song would be? Can you draw me a picture that shows what you think the character looks like?

As a sign-off on this dish we are working to make more time during the day where your child can independently read. I want you to ponder and take action on this question...Does your child read to be because they are being compliant or does your child read because they are committed? We want our kids to be committed. If you need support please reach out to your child’s teacher or anyone on the administrative team.

Have a thankful Thursday! I am thankful for you.

Serita Dodson- Proud Principal

Valentines Party

Attached please find the list of ingredients that will be in the snacks served at the Valentines Party. If your child cannot eat the snack provided please send a snack for them. This party we have a snack option for students with allergies. The list of ingredients for these snacks is at the bottom of the attachment. If your child needs this allergy treat then please email our nurse Mrs. Johnson at johnsonl@friscoisd.orgby January 29th at 5pm. More party details to come.

Liberty Baseball Clinic

Baseball clinic flyer attached.

Yearbook Ordering Time -You have until next Friday!

Click on the link below to order your student an Isbell 2015-16 Yearbook.

Don’t forget to send a baby and current picture of your 5th grader to Mr. Meyers (meyersst@friscoisd.org) and don’t forget to sign your student’s Symphony Field Trip permission slip and make the $6.00 payment on your My Payments Plus account.

Student Council News

Spirit Sticks will be sold by student council every Wednesday morning starting at 7:20am! They got some cute new ones in, so come and check them out!

Reading Night

Reading Night will be here on Thursday, March 3rd from 6:00-7:30. There will be lots of fun reading activities for the whole family! Hope to see you there!!! Rowdy the Dallas Cowboys Mascot will be at Isbell from 6-7pm for our Reading Night!!!

Counselor’s Corner

# 1 -Dear Parents,

Please come join us at this month's Coffee with the Counselor at Taylor Elementary on January 29th at 8am to learn more about Childhood Anxiety with Ardis Lo, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor with Therapy On The Square. Coffee Talks are open sessions for any parent to attend who wishes to learn more about the presented subject matter.Some things you will learn at the presentation are:

What does anxiety look like in a child?

Is there a difference between worrying and anxiety?

What can you do to help your anxious child?

Always remember, you can't give away what you don't possess. Start with you!

Attached please find a flyer called Alongside Anxiety flyer

VMS 5th and 6th Grader parent meeting

What: 5th Grade to 6th Grade Parent Meeting

Where: VMS Café

When: February 2nd, 2016

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Library News

Isbell Library

Emma Virjan!

Today Emma Virjan author of the Pig in a Wig Series came to visit Kinder, 1st and 2nd graders. She will be at Barnes and Noble in Stonebriar at 6:00 tonight for storytime and book signings. Please let Barnes and Noble know you are with Frisco ISD!

Save the Date for Reading Night!

Reading Night will be here on Thursday, March 3rd from 6:00-7:30. There will be lots of fun reading activities for the whole family! Hope to see you there!!!

Human Book??

What is a human book? A human book is someone who shares a personal experience to students, where you tell “your story”. We are looking for some parents who have an interesting story to tell. Here are some examples of possible Human Books: someone who grew up in various countries around the world, someone who has been on one of a kind trips, Interesting jobs, someone who has a disease or disability, Local farmers, Government officials, Refugees, someone who runs a charity/food bank in Frisco, Military/Veterans, Native American Tribes, a person or athlete that has physical disabilities. The purpose of Human Books is to expose students to other people’s experiences and to teach them the importance of being different. If you are interested in being a “Human Book” in the Isbell Library please email Mrs. Beathard (BeatharB@friscoisd.org).

Read to Succeed!

Isbell is participating in Six Flag’s Read to Succeed Reading Program, if your child reads 360 minutes by February 19th, they will get a free Six Flags ticket! Flyers went home with your child last week, if you need an additional one you can pick it up in the library. !

Artwork Wanted

! If you love to draw and paint, then this project is for you!!! The Isbell Library is looking for amazing artwork to help decorate the library walls!! If you would like your artwork featured in the Isbell Library, please read the guidelines below:

Library Art Guidelines:

· All artwork must have a “reading theme”. For example: it could be the cover of your favorite book or just a picture that shows that reading can take you places. Get creativity!

· The artwork needs to be on a 16 x 20 sized canvas. You can

purchase the canvas at any local art store (Hobby Lobby, Michaels etc).

· There is no deadline for this project, we will display the artwork as they come in!